Talman Savings & Loan (1947)

At an estimated cost of $300,000, the new home of Talman Savings & Loan was designed by the Bank Building & Equipment Corporation.  As shown in renderings, the corner-facing design was to be an Art Moderne landmark with a sign and clock tower above the entry and round drum behind capping the corner entry vestibule.  From there, one story wings down both street facades held large expanses of windows divided by metal grids and then intersected with a two-story mass on each side that terminated the building, each also fenestrated with large open expanses of windows divided by metal grids.

However, the actual construction never realized this full potential.  The corner entry is capped by an overwhelmingly large solid cube that overhangs a modest, transparent office area.  From the entry two one-story wings extend down both streets, but are modest in design and materials.  A change in the design process somewhere along the course didn’t allow this bank building to reach its full design potential.  The current structure is in fair condition and is currently occupied by LaSalle Bank.